President Donald Trump made it clear that he does not consider Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky an essential player in any potential peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Speaking on Fox News Radio with Brian Kilmeade, Trump criticized Zelensky’s diplomatic approach and questioned his leadership, saying:
“I’ve been watching for years, and I’ve been watching him negotiate with no cards. He has no cards. And you get sick of it.”
He went further, stating that Zelensky is “not important enough” to be at peace talks and that his actions have made reaching a settlement even more difficult.
Trump also took aim at the Biden administration, specifically Secretary of State Tony Blinken, for blocking past peace efforts by Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Trump, U.S. taxpayers have poured billions into Ukraine’s war effort despite its dim prospects for success.
“Every time I say, ‘Oh, it’s not Russia’s fault,’ I always get slammed by the Fake News. But I’m telling you, Biden said the wrong things. Zelensky said the wrong things. They got attacked by somebody that’s much bigger and much stronger,” Trump said, implying that Ukraine’s handling of the long-standing conflict in Donbas contributed to the war.
Trump’s stance signals a shift from the Biden administration’s unwavering support for Ukraine, as he pushes for a quick resolution to the conflict. He has repeatedly expressed skepticism over U.S. funding for Kyiv and has accused Zelensky of misusing American financial aid.
In his remarks, Trump also pointed out that Zelensky’s refusal to hold elections raises further concerns about his leadership. “He’s done a terrible job,” Trump said, warning that Zelensky “better move fast” to secure a peace deal with Putin.
Meanwhile, tensions between Trump and Zelensky continue to grow. In retaliation, Zelensky’s government recently banned Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, from operating in Ukraine.
Trump’s remarks come amid increasing scrutiny of Zelensky’s administration. Reports of corruption, political suppression, and financial mismanagement—including allegations of misusing American aid—have raised doubts about his leadership. Some former Ukrainian officials have even accused his government of selling U.S.-provided weapons on the black market and profiting from the war.
With Trump prioritizing an end to the war and a reduction in U.S. spending on Ukraine, the future of American support for Kyiv remains uncertain. If he returns to the White House, it is clear that his administration will take a vastly different approach to the conflict than the Biden administration has.